All posts tagged Novavax

The halt in development by AstraZeneca of its most advanced follow-up compound for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection might spur interest in a handful of earlier-stage projects. Developing a vaccine for the disease remains a significant long-term goal for the biotech industry.

The discontinuation of motavizumab changes the playing field in this potentially lucrative disease area, and makes Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s ALN-RSV01, currently in Phase II trials, the most advanced RSV therapy in development.

A successful outcome in the study would surely prompt Cubist to consider buying out its junior partner, and might even renew speculation about a larger company buying out Cubist. Much earlier in development, meanwhile, MicroDose Therapeutx Inc, Novavax Inc. and NanoBio Corp. — the last two working on vaccines — offer possible licensing opportunities.

Of course, any potential partner — or indeed acquirer — would need to look far ahead, given that research here is still at a very early stage. Moreover, AstraZeneca is still the undisputed leader in this space, and won’t give up this position easily.